EDITORIAL: Help us create the new Cleveland County tradition

We will be one of the first to say how great a place Cleveland County is to live.

As with any community, there will be detractors. But the strength and heart of this community is hard to match. In some people's eyes, it's unmatched.

And you don't have to look far to see examples of that.

We see it in the fundraisers. Open the paper on any given day and you're likely to read about some kind of benefit to help a resident or family in need.

We see it in our local United Way giving. Large corporations to small businesses to individuals have long made it their priority to give what they can to ensure Cleveland County helping agencies - from the Boys & Girls Club to the Abuse Prevention Council - can provide needed services.

We see it in the American Legion World Series. Years ago, some would have called plans for Cleveland County to host such an event ridiculously ambitious. And yet, here we are in 2014 with many tournaments behind us and countless more ahead.

And we see it in our Cleveland County Relay for Life efforts. Recognized as one of the top per-capita campaigns in the country, the county's Relay work has raised $4.5 million since forming in 1993 to fight cancer.

Last year, The Star joined the fight as well. And we're back again for 2014.

Registration is now under way for the 2nd annual Cleveland County's Got Talent event, to be held May 9 and 10 at the Don Gibson Theatre. All proceeds go to Cleveland County Relay for Life.

Last year's event, which amazed even us as organizers, drew more than 50 acts, sold 500 tickets and raised $1,800 in the fight against cancer.

Our goal this year is to top all of those numbers. We want more acts, we want to sell more tickets and - the real goal here - we want to raise more money for Relay.

But we need your help to do it.

Step 1 is finding the talent. Know someone who has a great voice, can dance, beatbox, play an instrument, do magic or show off in another performing arts style? Or does that describe yourself? Swing by The Star and grab a registration form.

Step 2. Make plans to join us in May to see these talented performers in action.

There are many annual events and traditions that make Cleveland County a great place to live. Help us solidify this as the latest.